Cletus J. Small
Monday, June 14, 1920
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Age:
94 years old
Visitation
Date: Monday May 18, 2015
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Tuesday May 19, 2015
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Location: Madonna Towers [ view map ]
Funeral Mass
Date: Tuesday May 19, 2015
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Madonna Towers [ view map ]
Monday, June 14, 1920
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Age:
94 years old
Monday, June 14, 1920
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Age:
94 years old
Cletus J. Small
Cletus Small, 94, of Rochester was called by the Lord on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Madonna Towers where he resided. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:00AM Tuesday, May 19th in Madonna Towers Chapel officiated by Revs. Donald J. Schmitz and James D. Russell. Visitation will be from 5:00PM to 7:00PM Monday, May 18th in the River Park Chapel of Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at Madonna Towers on Tuesday.
Cletus James Small was born June 14th, 1920, to Thomas and Lucille (Sebenaler) Small. He was raised on the family farm north of St. Charles near White Water State Park. Cletus attended country school in Quincy Valley and graduated in 1937 from St. Charles HS. He enjoyed math and basketball.
After a lengthy courtship, Cletus married Ruth Trubl of Winona in 1952. While working the same land as his father and grandfather before him, Cletus and Ruth began to raise a family on the farm. He raised sheep and chickens for market and also cash crops. Events changed in 1968, the family moved to Rochester. Cletus worked at Crenlo for four years. In 1971, he started at St. Mary’s Hospital as a custodian, a job he would retire from in 1986. Never shy to strike up a conversation or just to have something to say, Cletus enjoyed visiting and telling jokes to friends and strangers alike, a quality he shared to his last day.
Cletus never entirely left the farm. Mayo Clinic escorts would easily spot him in the crowd wearing his cow cap. Cletus and Ruth shared 60 years of marriage together. They were members of St. Francis parish, St. Pius parish, and lastly Madonna Towers.
Cletus was preceded in death by Ruth in 2013; and one sister, Ethelmaye Dresler in 2009. His surviving relatives include a sister, Ruby Brand, and daughter Mary (Tom) Dawson, son Tom (Teresa) Small, son Jim Small, granddaughter Heather (Pat) Walsh, granddaughter Tiffany Dawson (Andy Wendt), great grandson Murphy Walsh, and several nieces and nephews.
Forever generous, Cletus donated his body to Mayo Clinic Educational Services. A burial service will be at Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Cletus J. Small has received the following condolences.
So sorry to hear Cletus. He was a great man, always fun to be around. He was always willing to lend a hand to Dad (Bob), on various projects, and vice versa. We enjoyed listening to his stories and jokes, he always had a few during visits! Cletus had that good hearty laugh, that we will miss.
Sincerly,
Rendernick Family
We are so sorry to hear about Cletus passing. My dad Bob Liddy and him were great friends over the years. And as they got older they called each other weekly and reminised about old times and there days of working together at St. Mary's. My dad told me that no one could polish the floor of the St. Mary's Chapel like your dad could. My dad will miss him and their weekly conversations. he last talked with him on Mother's Day weekend,
May he rest in peace with your mom,
Jane (Liddy) Sandmeyer
-Bob Liddy's daughter
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT CLETUS HAS PASSED ON.I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I AM GLAD THAT HE MADE HIS WISHES KNOWN TO YOU,SO YOU GUYS COULD CARRY THEM OUT.HE LOVED HIS FAMILY SO MUCH.HE WAS A GOOD MAN ALWAYS LAUGHING.REMEMBER THAT LAUGH WHEN YOU ARE MISSING HIM AND KNOW THAT HE IS ONCE AGAIN WITH RUTH.MAY THEY REST IN PEACE TOGETHER IN HEAVEN.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy. May those precious memories be foremost in your memories be foremost in your hearts and minds during this difficult time.
Isaiah 25:8)
We are saddened to hear of the passing of youre Father,Grandfather and Great grandfather. We enjoyed conversing with Cletus and always ready to hear of a joke or two that he always shared with us. He had a special gift of humor and wit. Our sympathy and prayers to you all.